National Address on Combating Gender-Based Violence and Femicide

This address outlines the South African government's comprehensive response to a surge in gender-based violence and femicide, detailing immediate operational measures and long-term strategic shifts. It emphasizes the need for systemic accountability, forensic efficiency, and a cultural transformation led by men and boys to prevent violence before it occurs.

■ Immediate Government Measures
- National case recovery operation for unresolved crimes against women and children within 60 days
- Funded plan to reduce forensic backlogs and establish turnaround standards within 60 days
- Mandatory women's safety audits for all municipalities to identify and fix high-risk areas
- Coordinated legislative package to reduce alcohol-related violence submitted to cabinet within 60 days

■ Systemic and Cultural Reforms
- Strengthening victim-friendly services and sexual offenses courts across the country
- Tightening laws to make bail more difficult for perpetrators of domestic abuse
- Mobilizing men and boys to challenge harmful norms and silence around violence
- Utilizing the 16 Days of Activism to build a social movement against gender-based violence

This content is essential for understanding the state's accountability framework and the societal shift required to ensure women's safety and dignity.